They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

Young Love

Liberty places Zuma in a bed, noticing he's doing much better than before. It seems he'll likely be back on the team soon. She realizes now is the perfect moment to say something that may not come around again.

Liberty: "Um, Zuma."

Zuma: "Yeah, Libewty, what's up?"

Liberty: "You never really told me why you saved me."

Zuma: "Well, I mean... I don't know why, but do you want me to fully descwibe it to you?"

Liberty: "Yes, that would be really nice. Hehe. It's just that no one's ever done that for me, you know. I've had to trust myself for a long six years, and I guess I finally have someone I really can trust. But I just want to make sure it's real, not just a mask, you know. I'm sorry if that sounds rude."

Liberty visibly flusters, her nerves on edge. Zuma notices this and smiles gently.

Zuma: "No, I get it. It's just something in youw past, that's all. Not youw fault, you know."

Liberty: "Okay, good. I didn't want to sound mean, you know. I just have trust issues, that's all. But still, can you tell me why?"

Zuma hesitates. He's nervous because of the slight feelings he has for Liberty. He's never felt this way until recently, after he turned six. Overcoming his nerves, he decides to speak from the heart.

Zuma: "Well, uh, Libewty, I think it was because I look up to you, you know. I know that seems weiwd, but I weally haven't had a connection like I had with Skye until you came awound. So I guess what I'm twying to say is... I didn't want to lose you."

Liberty is taken aback by Zuma's words. She also harbors feelings for him but never thought they had such a deep connection. She always felt like a third wheel, lurking in the background. Until Zuma came along.

Liberty: "Wow. Um. Okay. That was unexpected, but I mean, why? Why do you look up to me?"

Zuma: "That I still haven't weally figuwed out, but I guess it's just... I feel a slight connection with you in some way. I felt it aftew we played togethew when we fiwst met."

Liberty recalls that day vividly. From rescuing a family with him to having Zuma pull her old wagon, those moments stood out. He was the first pup to fully stand up for her, something she hadn't experienced before. As a lone city pup idolizing the Paw Patrol, she never imagined she'd be part of the team. Soon, she'd be marking her first year with them when she turned seven in five months.

Liberty: "I do remember that day. I will say I also kinda felt a connection too." laughs nervously

Zuma's eyes widen in surprise. He never knew Liberty felt the same way. To him, this could be the start of something new.

Liberty: "Well, in a different world, how are you holding up?"

Zuma: "I'm wecovewing. I don't huwt anymowe. I just think I need some time to fully heal. Once I do, we can finally go aftew Owion. I've been missing the action too much. Honestly, I did miss out a lot back home anyway."

Liberty smiles. Zuma's eagerness to return to action is contagious. Surprisingly, she finds herself missing their shared adventures too.

Zuma: "I do wish my lisp would go away. It's weally annoying. Wyder said it would as I got oldew, but it hasn't."

Liberty chuckles at his comment. To her, the lisp is... charming, even adorable.

Liberty: "Well, I think your lisp is fine. It gives you personality, you know."

Zuma beams, comforted by her words. Though he's disliked his lisp, he's managed to live with it his whole life. Now, her acceptance eases his insecurities.

Zuma: "Thanks, Libewty. I appweciate it."

Liberty smiles back. She can't stop smiling—why? Is this a stronger connection forming? Zuma, too, finds himself smiling uncontrollably. Her presence fills him with happiness he's never felt before.

Liberty: "Um, well, Zumo. Hehe. I can call you that, I hope?"

Zuma laughs.

Zuma: "Yeah, hehe, that's fine. It's kinda cool. Zumo! Hehe."

The two share a laugh, enjoying each other's company.

Liberty: "Well, I'll talk to you later. I hope you get well soon."

Zuma: "Keep youw feet wet. Um, ew... paws, I meant. Hehe."

Liberty: "Hehe, yeah, and you need to join us again soon, alright."

Zuma nods, his grin widening. Liberty heads toward the exit, pausing to glance back at Zuma one last time. She smirks softly before leaving. Zuma watches her leave, then gazes out the window at the ocean surrounding them.

Zuma: sighs "I'll see you soon. Really soon. I hope."

Zuma smiles, startled to realize he finally said "really" without his lisp. Progress! It fills him with hope. He misses the Paw Patrol, their missions, the thrill of rescuing others, and most of all—the water. He wants to dive back in, to prove he's still valuable to the team. Then, a thought bursts into his mind, unbidden.

Zuma (to himself): "I miss you, Liberty, already."